Boston Bruins

The most-played rivalry in NHL history.

The Bruins–Canadiens rivalry, between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, is often called one of the greatest rivalries in sports. The two teams have played each other more times, in the regular season and the playoffs combined, than any other two teams in NHL history.

Quick Facts

Playoff series: 34

By the numbers

Through the 2024-25 season the teams had met 943 times, with the Canadiens leading the overall series with 471 wins, 355 losses, 103 ties and 12 overtime losses. In the playoffs they have met in 34 series and 177 games, the most in NHL history, and have played each other in nine game sevens, also more than any other pair of teams.

Origins

The Bruins, the first NHL team based in the United States, began play on December 1, 1924, as one of two expansion teams that season, along with the Montreal Maroons.